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Budget-Conscious Playgroup:
6 Ways To Save Money
By: Carren W. Joye
Playgroups are not immune to the poor economy! Many families are facing tight budgets, especially those trying to survive on one income. While a playgroup provides entertainment and time out of the house, some families may not be able to afford it. However, a playgroup does not have to cost money!
The costs involved in a playgroup are generally found in the beginning when you are trying to advertise your group. (Read “Start Your Own Playgroup” for more information.) Once your playgroup has started, however, the only cost involved generally is the money that the hostess spends on snacks, and that’s something you can control. Here are some other money-saving considerations:
1. Meet in free locations so you won’t have to worry about paying rent for facilities. Consider a central location, such as a park or playground, or meet in each other’s homes.
2. If possible, meet in the neighborhood to save on gas. If your members are spread over the city or another large region, you may want to alternate locations in different areas so the same parents will not have to keep driving the long distances.
3. Rotate hosting duties so that the same few do not host all the time. Follow an alphabetical membership list.
4. Members can bring their own snacks to keep the burden from falling on the hostess. If the hostess provides refreshments, keep them to a minimum by serving cookies, chips and dip or even just beverages.
5. If your playgroup provides crafts for the children, you may need a small membership fee to cover expenses, or the hostess could be responsible for the craft supplies each week, or each mom could be responsible for bringing the supplies for her child.
6. For those on a tight budget, a simple social playgroup where the children play while the parents talk may work best.
7. Rather than starting a neighborhood playgroup or if your current group is facing financial difficulties, you may want to consider going through the ministry of your church. Contact your church to see if they will finance a playgroup for church members or for the community at large as a ministry to stay-at-home moms and their children. With the financial backing of the church, you can volunteer your services as the playgroup coordinator.
It’s all up to you. Make your playgroup fit your needs and your budget!
Carren W. Joye is the author of A Stay-at-Home Mom's Complete Guide to
Playgroups, available at Amazon.com and your local bookstore. A
homeschooling mom of four children, she has successfully founded four
playgroups, a homeschool support group, and a homeschool co-op.
